Arbeloa: I'm not upset about Ronaldo's reaction after my goal

The defender says he understands his team-mate's desperation to score goals to keep pace with Lionel Messi and claims critics were too quick to write off James Rodriguez

30.04.2015 09:47:22

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa insists he was not perturbed by Cristiano Ronaldo's angry reaction to his goal against Almeria on Wednesday.
The Portugal star reacted petulantly again at the Santiago Bernabeu as Arbeloa turned home Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's cross with Ronaldo arriving behind him, prompting him to rifle the ball back into the net before walking back to the centre circle.
Arbeloa, however, says he understands Ronaldo's desperation to end a barren spell in front of goal that has seen him score just once in his last five matches - especially as he is scrapping with Lionel Messi for the top-scorer prize.
"I'm not upset about Ronaldo's reaction after my goal," Arbeloa told reporters. "It just shows you his ambition to score. No one can be upset about that. He's fighting with Leo Messi for the Pichichi."
James Rodriguez opened the scoring with a brilliant volley just before half-time and Arbeloa believes the Colombian is beginning to prove his true quality after coming in for some criticism in the early part of the season.
"With James, there are some people who spoke prematurely," he said. "He's a really great player."
Madrid are now back to within two points of Barcelona at the top of La Liga and Arbeloa is determined to fight them every step of the way for the title - even though they have a Champions League semi-final date with Juventus looming on the horizon.
"Barcelona are very strong, but our goal is win all games," he said.
"Juventus will not be easy for us. They're a great team who will win Serie A."
Real Madrid 3-0 Almeria